Crime Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Preventing Violence in America

Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled, “Preventable Violence in America: An Examination of Law Enforcement Information Sharing and Misguided Public Policy.” The hearing will examine the lapses that occur at federal, state, and local law enforcement levels with regards to information sharing about potential mass shooting events, including the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. It will also examine misguided public policy decisions that prevent law enforcement from interceding against violent individuals at schools. The witnesses for Tuesday's hearing are: Panel I:

• Mr. David Bowdich, Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Panel II:

• Mr. Timothy C. Carter, Sheriff, Shenandoah County, Virginia
• Mr. Max Eden, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute
• Ms. Kristen Harper, Director for Policy Development, Child Trends

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) issued the statements below in advance of this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “As more details have emerged about last month’s horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we’ve learned that the FBI, as well as state and local authorities, did not share critical information with each other despite multiple opportunities to do so. Better information sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement may have prevented the shooting in Parkland, Florida and could help prevent future shootings from happening. Additionally, we’ve learned that the Broward County school system, which includes Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, followed an Obama-era policy to revise its disciplinary process and prevent law enforcement from intervening when students become violent. This policy is nonsensical and endangers students, teachers, and other school personnel. “At this week’s Crime Subcommittee hearing, we will examine the current state of information sharing between federal and local law enforcement and how it can be improved. Additionally, we will review public policies that prevent law enforcement from interceding against violent students. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses to learn how we can enhance school and public safety.” Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner: “This hearing presents an opportunity to examine the shortcomings in the current information sharing structure.  As a leader in the effort to create the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, I understand the importance of coordination by all levels of law enforcement. Tragedies like the Parkland school shooting highlight the need to have proper information submitted to NICS. The system is only as good as the information in its databases. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about the policy improvements needed to protect our schools and communities.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at judiciary.house.gov.  Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.